The Los Angeles Lakers toppled the Houston Rockets 107-98 in game one of their first-round playoff series, prevailing despite the absence of Kevin Durant.
LeBron James contributed 19 points and 13 assists, while Luke Kennard led all Lakers scorers with 27 points — a career playoff high and the second-most ever by a player making their Lakers postseason debut after joining the club in February.
Durant missed the opener after sustaining a bruised right knee when he collided with a teammate in practice. His absence delayed a long-anticipated playoff meeting between LeBron and Durant, extending the wait to eight years.
James described his role in broad terms, explaining that he must impact the game in multiple ways: rebound, pass, shoot and defend. “I try to be a triple threat,” he said, noting his preparation is the only thing he predetermines and that he’s experienced virtually every basketball situation.
The night also carried a personal milestone for James: he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, in a playoff game for the first time, with family members — including his mother and other children — in attendance. “Being on the floor with my son in a playoff game is probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my career,” James said.
Los Angeles dominated the offensive end, shooting 60.6% as a team while holding Houston to just 37.6% amid tough defensive pressure. Game two is set for 3:30am BST on April 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports; Durant is expected to miss at least one more game.
Other game one results around the NBA playoffs:
– Cleveland Cavaliers 126, Toronto Raptors 113: Max Strus, back after a lengthy injury absence, and new arrival James Harden combined for 46 points to power the Cavaliers to a home win.
– Denver Nuggets 116, Minnesota Timberwolves 105: Nikola Jokić posted a 25-point triple-double to lead Denver in the series opener.
– New York Knicks 113, Atlanta Hawks 102: Jalen Brunson scored 28 points and added seven assists as the Knicks pulled away in the third quarter.
How and when to watch the NBA playoffs on Sky Sports (times BST):
– 6:00pm — Philadelphia 76ers (7) @ Boston Celtics (2)
– 8:30pm — Phoenix Suns (8) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
– 11:00pm — Orlando Magic (8) @ Detroit Pistons (1)
– 2:00am — Portland Trail Blazers (7) @ San Antonio Spurs (2)
Sky Sports will also televise all Western Conference Finals games live from May 20.